Vulnerability – Secure Connexionhttps://secureconnexion.wordpress.com
CURE for your Security, Better Connexion!Sat, 20 Apr 2013 21:48:22 +0000en
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1 http://wordpress.com/https://s0.wp.com/i/buttonw-com.pngVulnerability – Secure Connexionhttps://secureconnexion.wordpress.com
Updated Details: Gozi Malware Back with More Money Stealing & Sophisticationhttps://secureconnexion.wordpress.com/2013/04/20/updated-details-gozi-malware-back-with-more-money-stealing-sophistication/
Sat, 20 Apr 2013 21:48:22 +0000http://secureconnexion.wordpress.com/?p=1212It seems as if security firm, Trusteer, has identified a new variant of the Gozi financial malware. This one is more sophisticated and requires your attention. This new variant infects the Master Boot Record (MBR) on your computer — which is a boot sector software device that resides at the beginning of your hard drive that tells your computer how to boot up.

Just like TDL4, another MBR infector, this malware is hard to detect and remove. The main idea behind Gozi, though, is to wait for Internet Explorer to be launched on the victim’s machine, and malicious code is injected into the Process. This allows the malware to intercept web traffic, and inject its own code to webpages, misleading the user and collecting financial information (as well as social security numbers, birth dates, etc.).

Some speculate other developers have taken over, since apparently the main developer as well as accomplices were arrested not long ago. Looks like the new developers have a more sophisticated twist on the whole situation.

What’s different? The MBR rootkit component. This component makes the malware more sophisticated, because the removal of such threat can cause the computer to fail booting. The main problem at trying to fix infections in the MBR is that occasionally, the backup code that is placed in a different sector, is modified to not work when the infection locks in. This makes you have to keep it on the machine. However, it’s more effective to use private tools to help remove it.

One of the private tools, well sort of private, is the Kaspersky Rescue Disc. There are others that are available also, including TDSSKiller, which may or may not work out correctly.

If you need further help, we would love to assist. Please comment at any time!

]]>malwaredrjayallenForty-Two (42) Whopping Security Holes Patched in Javahttps://secureconnexion.wordpress.com/2013/04/17/forty-two-42-whopping-security-holes-patched-in-java/
https://secureconnexion.wordpress.com/2013/04/17/forty-two-42-whopping-security-holes-patched-in-java/#commentsWed, 17 Apr 2013 16:16:25 +0000http://secureconnexion.wordpress.com/?p=120742 new security fixes are included for Oracle’s Java SE software. This new version with all security fixes included also includes a new feature to alert users of the dangers of running certain Java content.

Java 7 Update 21 was released yesterday (April 16, 2013) with all 42 bugs fixed. Most of the flaws are from exploits. Which means that visiting a hacked website can get you infected. Users running Java 6 are prompted to update to Java 7. However, Java 6 updates are still privately available (Update 45).

Anyway, the new update involves the introduction of newer security warnings as well as other message prompts. These are used for the web browsing environment to help users identify potentially risky content. See the image below for more information:

Java’s new features have been pretty continuous when Oracle finally realized last year that Java was getting to be an extremely insecure plugin. Java’s not so bad when it’s running an out-of-browser application, like a program or game.

The new version, now available on Java.com will bring the current version to Java SE 7 Update 21 and Java SE 6 Update 45. It is recommended to unplug your browser from Java, at least the main one, and only use Java Runtime Environment (JRE) in a lesser-used browser. Whenever you need to use a site that required Java, use it on your rare browser, so that you don’t get tripped up by ads or other exploit sites that try to access Java on your main browser.

Additionally, make sure to occasionally clear the Java cache, which will help prevent old temporary files for Java from loading. It’ll make the Java experience a bit better. This may also help remediate issues, if a Java application doesn’t run.

Seems like Facebook Home, new launcher app for certain Android apps, will allow you to put updates from Facebook News Feed right onto your lock screen. While this brings Facebook to life for you, it isn’t exactly the safest. There are many reasons.

Let’s put it this way: adding a PIN code lock to your phone doesn’t keep people locked out of your Facebook account. People, even if they don’t access your phone, can still access the Facebook account on the lock screen, because the PIN code does not secure Facebook Home.

Maybe it’s a good idea to wait to use Facebook Home, so security features can be enhanced.

Do you have a phone enabled with Facebook Home and a PIN code? Let me know, comment below!

]]>vulnerabilitydrjayallenfbhomeApril Security Updates: Critically Patching Windows, Flash Player, and Shockwave Playerhttps://secureconnexion.wordpress.com/2013/04/09/april-security-updates-critically-patching-windows-flash-player-and-shockwave-player/
Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:33:19 +0000http://secureconnexion.wordpress.com/?p=1198As usual for Patch Tuesday, many security updates were issued. I’m here to provide all the details for these critical updates. Not only did Windows get patched, but Adobe Flash and Shockwave Players did too.

Microsoft released a span of nine patch bundles, plugging security holes in Windows and other products. Separately, Adobe did its usual thing, and took part in Patch Tuesday as well for updates to Adobe Flash and Shockwave Players.

A cumulative update was made to Internet Explorer, which fixed two critical vulnerabilities present in almost all versions of Internet Explorer (in history). It should be noted that this includes IE 9 and 10.

Either you will receive Automatic Updates, if you’ve set Windows up to do so. Otherwise, go to Start, search Windows Update. Or for Windows 8, search for Windows Update on the Start screen.

Other than that, Adobe brings an update to Adobe Flash Player for Windows and Mac to v. 11.7.700.169. Linux should be updated to 11.2.202.280. Android 4.x+: 11.1.115.54 and 2.x-3.x: 11.1.111.50.

Keep in mind that Google Chrome and Internet Explorer 10 (Windows 8) automatically update Flash Player on their own.

Shockwave Player should be updated as well to v. 12.0.0.122! For these updates, go to www.Adobe.com

You should be able to update to Adobe AIR, which will help secure your computer even further from vulnerability. If you have Adobe AIR installed, which is required for quite a few programs that are built on its architecture (such as Tweetdeck, Pandora Internet Radio, games, etc.). AIR should automatically prompt to update.

Firefox 20 was just released yesterday, marking also the 15th anniversary. 3 critical, 11 total security fixes are in Ff 20. Also, new private browsing updates were made as well as the ability to close hanging plugins without the browser hanging.

Mozilla detailed the security fixes, which includes the critical and high risk categories:

Other than all that, there were more performance tweaks, as usual, as well as much improved HTML5 tools.

Mozilla is planning to fixes in Ff 21: known HTML5 video bug on being able to use copy actions, browsing and download history pairing, and function keys that don’t work when pressed. Other info on updates and issues, look here.

In Firefox, if you’re not automatically prompted to update, then do so as soon as possible by clicking the Firefox tab at the top left corner of the browser, hovering over Help >, click on About Firefox. You may also have to click Check for updates in the window that pops up. You should be patched.

Once you install Firefox, it will ask to restart your browser. Please allow it to do so, in order for it to finish updating and get you secure and well on your way in the dangers of the Internet.

The usual round of updates are in. As today is Patch Tuesday, Windows and Adobe Flash and Air were issued security updates. Microsoft had seven update bundles containing 20 total vulnerabilities in Windows and other Windows software. Adobe released updates for Flash and Air.

Microsoft had four critical patches, and three other updates. A total of seven today.

Either you will receive Automatic Updates, if you’ve set Windows up to do so. Otherwise, go to Start, search Windows Update. Or for Windows 8, search for Windows Update on the Start screen.

Adobe Flash Player/AIR

Adobe has sent updates for Flash Player, now at 11.6.602.180. This is the version for Windows and Mac OS X based systems. Four security flaws were identified, which prompted this fix. No current attacks/exploits have been identified.

Keep in mind that Google Chrome and Internet Explorer 10 (Windows 8) automatically update Flash Player on their own. The update may not be issued for Chrome just yet, but should be soon, we hope.

If you have Adobe AIR installed, which is required for quite a few programs that are built on its architecture (such as Tweetdeck, Pandora Internet Radio, games, etc.). AIR should automatically prompt to update.

Here is the update table for Adobe Flash Player and AIR:

]]>myupdatesdrjayallenflash-airPwn2Own (2013) Contest a Blast – FULL Resultshttps://secureconnexion.wordpress.com/2013/03/09/pwn2own-2013-contest-a-blast-full-results/
Sat, 09 Mar 2013 11:13:06 +0000http://secureconnexion.wordpress.com/?p=1145CanSecWest is a conference, and 2013’s conference once again involved the Pwn2Own contest for hackers, an elite (1337) competition. The concept remained simple and will always that if you pwn a fully-patched browser running on a fully-patched laptop, you get to keep the laptop.

However, different rules applied this year. It involved successfully demonstrating the exploit, providing the sponsor (HP) the fully functioning exploit, and all details involved with the vulnerability used in the attack. If there were many vulnerabilities, multiple reports are needed, etc.

The work couldn’t be sold to anyone else, and proof of concept would belong to HP once sold. Basically, HP buys the winning exploits for own use. Their idea of reward money was the following:

Google Chrome on Windows 7 = $100,000

IE10 on Windows 8 = $100,000 or IE9 on Windows 7 = $75,000.

Mozilla Firefox on Windows 7 = $60,000

Apple Safari on Mac OS X Mountain Lion = $65,000

Adobe Reader XI and Flash Player = $70,000

Oracle Java = $20,000

It was assuredly a blast at the competition, no doubt about it.

DAY ONE: Java, Chrome, IE10, and Firefox PWNED!!!

(Where’s Safari, right? It survived!)

The idea behind each attack is the ability to browse to an untrusted website where you’re able to inject and run arbitrary code outside of the browsing environment.

Of course, one of the rules is: “A successful attack … must require little or no user interaction and must demonstrate code execution… If a sandbox is present, a full sandbox escape is required to win.”

In addition to Chrome, Firefox, and IE10 being pwned, Java was pwned three times on the first day. Once by James Forshaw, Joshua Drake, and VUPEN Security. VUPEN Security also led a lot of the pack of issues by successfully exploiting IE10 and Firefox as well.

The only other exploit was by Nils & Jon, where both successfully exploited Chrome.

The day after the first day of Pwn2Own, Mozilla and Google patched the exploits that were pushed out. Amazingly fast, Firefox went on to version 19.0.2 (which you should’ve been updated automatically), and Chrome went on to version 25.0.1364.160 (effectively patching 10 vulnerabilities).

“We received the technical details on Wednesday evening and within less than 24 hours diagnosed the issue, built a patch, validated the fix and the resulting builds, and deployed the patch to users,” said Michael Coates, Mozilla’s director of security assurance, in a Thursday blog.

Microsoft has decided to wait until next week’s Patch Tuesday run of updates to push out the fix for the Internet Explorer exploit on IE10.

DAY TWO: Adobe Reader and Flash Player PWNED!!! Java PWNED AGAIN!!!

The last day of Pwn2Own 2013 went with a BANG!

Flash Player…exploited by VUPEN Security (any surprise?). Adobe Reader PWNED by George Hotz. Java once again was exploited, this time proxied by Ben Murphy.

Who’re the overall prize winners?

James Forshaw, Ben Murphy, and Joshua Drake for Java – each $20,000

VUPEN Security for IE10 + Firefox + Java + Flash – $250,000

Nils & Jon for Google Chrome – $100,000

George Hotz for Adobe Reader – $70,000

Of course, George Hotz is best known for jailbreaking the iPhone and PlayStation 3. He’s still in progress with a lawsuit with Sony over the issue for PS3.

Now in its eighth year, Pwn2Own contest had $480,000 in payouts, a record year. Amazing!

Got any vibe on this issue? Post comment below!

]]>pwn2owndrjayallenie-ff-chrfl-ar-jaVulnerability: Samsung-branded Android Phones Allow Bypass of Lock Screenhttps://secureconnexion.wordpress.com/2013/03/04/vulnerability-samsung-branded-android-phones-allow-bypass-of-lock-screen/
https://secureconnexion.wordpress.com/2013/03/04/vulnerability-samsung-branded-android-phones-allow-bypass-of-lock-screen/#commentsMon, 04 Mar 2013 23:06:43 +0000http://secureconnexion.wordpress.com/?p=1139A vulnerability was recently found in Samsung mobile Android devices, OS version 4.1.2, that would give an attacker (unauthenticated users) the ability to circumvent the screen lock, viewing the home screen. It can also give them rights to run apps, send arbitrary messages to contacts, rack up illegitimate phone services, etc. It could also lock out the original user of the device.

Terence Eden posted a video about the Galaxy Note II:

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen flaws on Samsung-branded Android smartphones. Before this, kernel trouble was the topic, where attackers can gain easy access to the Android kernel in some Samsung devices.

]]>https://secureconnexion.wordpress.com/2013/03/04/vulnerability-samsung-branded-android-phones-allow-bypass-of-lock-screen/feed/1vulnerabilitydrjayallenAdobe Flash Player Critically Affected Again! Two Bugs Resolved!https://secureconnexion.wordpress.com/2013/02/26/adobe-flash-player-critically-affected-again-two-bugs-resolved/
Wed, 27 Feb 2013 02:28:18 +0000http://secureconnexion.wordpress.com/?p=1127Adobe has published another update now, fixing three vulnerabilities. Two of these three vulnerabilities are currently being exploited in the wild.

Adobe has introduced the Flash Player sandbox a year ago protecting Firefox users from vulnerabilities in Flash Player. This sandbox is being actively targeted for attacks.

“Adobe is aware of reports that CVE-2013-0643 and CVE 2013-0648 are being exploited in the wild in targeted attacks designed to trick the user into clicking a link which directs to a website serving malicious Flash (SWF) content,” the company wrote in a security bulletin.

Adobe classifies the update at priority rating of 1 for Windows and Mac (which means super-critical: PATCH NOW!), and 3 for Linux (not as critical for Linux).

As reported by Facebook and Apple, Microsoft can confirm that we also recently experienced a similar security intrusion.

Consistent with our security response practices, we chose not to make a statement during the initial information gathering process. During our investigation, we found a small number of computers, including some in our Mac business unit, that were infected by malicious software using techniques similar to those documented by other organizations. We have no evidence of customer data being affected and our investigation is ongoing.